Top 5 sessions to drive owner profitability

This October, more than 5,000 of hospitality's brightest minds will gather in San Antonio for The Hospitality Show, the ultimate event for hotel owners aiming to drive profitability through innovation and operational excellence.

Running a successful hotel in today's competitive market is no easy feat—it requires more than just filling rooms. It demands strategic thinking, a keen understanding of the latest industry trends, and leveraging technology to reduce costs and maximize revenue.

At The Show, the expert-led seminars are crafted to help hotel owners enhance profitability while improving guest experience. Here are the top five sessions designed to do just that.

1. Navigating the Dynamics of Ownership & Management

Oct. 28 at 3:55 p.m. on the main stage

Gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between hotel ownership and management, whether you operate under a franchise model, direct management, or another structure like a REIT or lease. This session explores how to collaborate effectively and develop financial strategies that bolster profitability. You'll also receive insights into capital management and investment to ensure long-term success.

The featured speakers include Kevin Jacobs, chief financial officer and president, global development at Hilton.

2. Commercial Strategies: Collaborative Insights

Oct. 29 at 9:30 a.m. on the main stage

Discover innovative commercial strategies that elevate the guest journey from booking to check-out. Industry leaders will share actionable insights into delivering personalized, memorable guest experiences while optimizing revenue. Whether it's refining your booking process or enhancing on-site operations, you'll learn how to increase guest loyalty while driving profitability.

Featured speakers include Kevin Carey, interim CEO and president, AHLA; Doreen Burse, SVP, worldwide sales, United Airlines; Kristie Goshow, chief commercial officer, KSL Resorts; and Scott Strickland, chief commercial officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

3. The Wealthy Franchisee Keynote & Fireside Chat

Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. on the main stage

Franchise owners, this session is for you! Scott Greenberg, franchise expert and keynote speaker, will reveal game-changing strategies to elevate your operations without simply spending more on marketing or hiring. Learn how to unlock the full potential of your existing operations, optimize your workflow and create a stress-free, productive business environment. Walk away with tactics to increase profitability while enhancing guest interactions.

Featured speakers include Scott Greenberg, keynote speaker, author and franchise expert, and Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

4. The Profitable Stay: Leveraging Hotel Technology

Oct. 30 at 9:55 a.m. on the main stage

Technology is transforming the hospitality landscape. This session will dive into how you can leverage the latest digital tools—such as AI-powered customer service solutions and smart room technology—to reduce operational costs and enhance guest satisfaction. Discover how data analytics can guide your decision-making and streamline your hotel’s operations, driving profitability at every level.

Featured speakers include Alex Alt, EVP, Oracle Hospitality and Oracle Retail; Jennifer Barnwell, president, Curator Hotel & Resort Collection; Brian Kirkland, CIO, Choice Hotels; Greg Land, global industry leader - hospitality, AWS; and Scott Wilson, president, Sabre Hospitality.

5. Green to Gold: Sustainability as Profit

Oct. 30 10 a.m. on the main stage

Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a smart business strategy. In this session, industry experts will showcase how eco-friendly initiatives can reduce operational costs while boosting guest satisfaction. Learn about sustainable practices that cut down waste, lower energy costs and improve your hotel’s bottom line—all while appealing to today’s eco-conscious travelers.

Featured speakers include Joanna Abrams, founder and CEO, MindClick; Kevin Korab, president, Guest Worldwide; Michael Morton, SVP of brand management and member services, BWH Hotels; Emilio Tenuta, SVP and chief sustainability officer, Ecolab.

What’s New for Owners at The Show?

VIP Owners Reception*: Meet and network with fellow hotel owners at the first-ever VIP Owners Reception. This exclusive event offers a unique opportunity to discuss challenges, exchange ideas and build valuable connections without distractions. *by invitation only

Owners Lounge: Relax and recharge in the VIP Owners Lounge. Enjoy complimentary coffee, lunches, and a comfortable space designed for premium networking and collaboration.

Lenders Alley: Looking to purchase, renovate or refinance? Lenders Alley offers a chance to meet 1:1 with financing experts ready to help you take the next step in your hotel’s journey.

View the full owners program here.

Register now here.